Home   News   Article

Brexit deal sparks starkly contrasting reactions; Highlands 'entirely sidelined' says SNP MSP; 'great news' for Scotland – Scottish Secretary


By Hector MacKenzie

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Maree Todd: 'Clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation'.
Maree Todd: 'Clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation'.

THE Prime Minister's proposed new Brexit deal would leave Scotland unique among the four UK nations in being completely ignored, a Highland MSP said this afternoon.

But it has been hailed "great news" for Scotland by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack.

While England and Wales both voted to leave the EU, and would do so under the deal, Northern Ireland is being handed a special deal effectively keeping it within the single market and customs union – with the power to change their relationship in future.

These proposals would leave Scotland unique in voting Remain but being dragged out of the EU with no say over our future relationship, according to Ross-shire-based SNP MSP Maree Todd .

She said: “Boris Johnson’s proposed Brexit deal is even more extreme than Theresa May’s – and would be worse for jobs and household incomes in the Highlands and Islands. And, crucially, it leaves Scotland unique among the four nations of the UK in facing an outcome we did not vote for and having no say over our future relationship.

“The Highlands and Islands voted to remain in the EU – just like every local authority in Scotland – and yet we’ve been entirely sidelined by the Tories ever since.It is clearer than ever that the best future for Scotland is one as an equal, independent European nation.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack though hailed the deal "great news for Scotland and the whole of the UK".

He said: “This deal allows us to get Brexit sorted, and leave the EU in two weeks’ time as one United Kingdom. It is a real Brexit which ensures we take back control. For Scottish fishermen, this means taking back control of our fishing waters and freeing them from the hated Common Fisheries Policy. For Scotland’s farmers, we will create a new a system of support to help them prosper outside of the Common Agricultural Policy.

“We will no longer be bound by EU laws, and the Scottish Parliament will receive a raft of new powers as they return to the UK from Brussels. We will be able to strike our own trade deals around the world, opening up huge opportunities for businesses

across Scotland.

“It is now time for Scottish MPs from all parties to vote for the Prime Minister’s deal and deliver the result of the referendum. It is time to put the national interest above political opportunism. If MPs do not vote for a deal then they are voting for no deal,

and will have to explain that to their constituents.

“Outside of the EU, Scotland and the whole of the UK will thrive. We have a bright future as a country. People now expect their elected representatives to do their duty to deliver that.”

The plan is yet to be discussed at Westminster. A rejection could set the scene for a general election.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More